Karma Spirit Tour in Pejeng’s Kingdom Ancient Kingdom with Real Locals
Tour Guide: Pak Wayan
Our full-day Karma Spirit Kingdom Tour starts at “POP” Pesalakan Organic Project in the ancient Hindu Kingdom village of Pesalakan located in East Pejeng just 20 minutes from Ubud, known in the old days as the Centre of Healing. Now, a yoga and healing capital of the world!
We will start our walk through the 200 family “Banjar” village where we can buy a local snack in the small corner stores. Then stroll along to see the village government buildings and learn how the community law system is separate to the National or Provincial Government. We will discuss about the Mutual Help System which is still strongly maintained in the Ganyiar Regency and other more remote villages.
During the 1-hour walking tour through the rice fields to my village, we will see the farmers at work and maybe try to harvest or plant the rice. Along the path there will be many chances to see, feel and taste the natural plants and fruit used for food and medicine. We might hear and see the organic ducks, the King’s food, waddling along the paths or dipping in the Subak, the UNESCO recognized arrogation system practiced in Bali for over 600 years!
In the afternoon, guests will come to my family compound where they can learn about the family temple and ceremonies help there, and about the compound architecture with it’s different purpose rooms, a traditional style wood burning kitchen, and the rice drying facility. Lunch will be cooked by my wife Putri with the help of my mother. Guests will see how traditional herbs and plants are used for cooking on the open fire. The will learn how to prepare coconut oil and traditional herbal medicine.
Because ‘every day in Bali is a ceremony day’, guests are invited to experience many types of typical ceremony in Bali for example: Cremation, Wedding, Temple Birthday, and the Galungan and Kuningan ceremonies that balance Good and Bad spirits. During the tour after lunch, I help guests wear and explain the ceremony clothes. They can also try to make the ceremony baskets and, in the temple visit, give offerings to their ancestors.
I also explain about the Banjar village government and law system which is separate to the National or Provincial Government. Guests also learn about the Mutual Help System which is still strongly maintained in the Ganyiar Regency and other more remote villages.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Guests are invited to assist in community projects such as organic farming with cows, waste clean-ups, or visit the local classrooms in the elementary and middle schools (visits to schools and volunteer community help depend on the daily Banjar schedual). The children in Bali choose and practice traditions like Gamalan music and dance or crafts like wood, stone or bone carving. My passion was woodcarving. Now, I like to use recycled wood to make into useful items. Guests can try many types of traditions with the local craftsmen in my village.
NOTE: Please make arrangements before your tour.
There will be many chances to ask questions and take photos with the locals. The Balinese people have enjoyed the camera since the Dutch first came over in the early 1800’s. But, we do ask that you respect the elders and ask first. I strongly hope that my job will help the children of Bali to help keep our unique culture strong for many generations to come.
“Suksma muali” – Thank You Very Much
Tour Details:
- Maximum explorers on our Bali ECO Geko Experiential Adventures are 15 (minimum pricing of 2 people is charged).
- Tours are available all year even in the rainy season! Please book 7 days or more in advance especially in peak tourist months from July-September.
- Pick-up at your hotel is possible.
- Bring a light rain jacket for sudden tropical rainfalls, and sunscreen for when it clears. Wear walking shoes and carry plenty of drinking water.
- Duration is between 4 -5 hours.
Please email swallowguesthouse@yahoo.ca to discuss your tour interests.
Price Includes:
- Guide Wayan fees and expertise!
- Lunch at his families compound
- Donation to the village “POP” community project to help maintain cleanliness and waste removal service
